WASHINGTON (EJP)---Eight members of the US House of Representatives announced the formation of a task-force aimed at combating anti-Semitism. "Around the world, we are witnessing an alarming rise of anti-Semitism that is dangerous and complex. Over the past few years, Jewish schools, synagogues, and even homes and property have been targets of anti-Semitic violence. Jewish populations are facing increased levels of hatred, frequently under the guise of political differences or other alibis, but in reality it is solely because of their faith," the members said in a statement.
The ‘’Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating anti-Semitism," will work to educate Congress members on this particular form of prejudice and will seek to share solutions that could minimize the phenomenon with the executive branch of the government, foreign leaders and civil society organizations.
The force will work to minimize the proliferation of anti-Semitic acts across the globe.
The task-force hopes to integrate Congress into the fight against anti-Semitism and promote tolerance on an international level.
"It is the responsibility of everyone who believes in basic universal liberties and freedoms to condemn this trend and work together to root out the hatred which underlies anti-Semitism. We look forward to working with our colleagues in Congress to find innovative solutions that match the 21st century face of this age-old bigotry," their statement read.
The leadership of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) met in Washington in the framework of its annual Executive Committee meeting to discuss the growing threats to Jewish communities and the surge in anti-Semitism.
USVice President Joe Biden commended the WJC’s tireless efforts to combat anti-Semitism in Europe and worldwide.
Commenting on the rise of world anti-Semitism, Biden said: “I spent a lot of time in Austria, Munich, and France talking about anti-Semitism in Europe and other places around the world and let me tell you that your work really matters. If you don't constantly speak out every time it raises its ugly head -- if you let it sit for a minute -- it's like a boil that festers. I want to thank you all for your constant, unrelenting oversight and for making sure that wherever it rears its head, you speak.”
On a visit to the city of Malmo, Sweden, on Monday, U.S. special envoy to combatanti-Semitism, Ira Forman, said there is a threat of violence against Jewish groups in Sweden and other parts of Europe.
"I have reason to believe that there is a threat of violence against Jewish groups in Europe, and those threats definitely exist in Malmo too," she said at a meeting with Jewish community leaders.
In Stockholm, he questioned the viability of small Jewish communities in Europe.
"If current trends continue, and they're not good… we have to worry about small Jewish communities in Europe and their very viability," Forman said.
After a Jewish volunteer standing guard outside a bat mitzvah in neighboring Denmark was shot to death in an attack on a Copenhagen synagogue last month, Sweden issued directives requiring police officers guarding Jewish buildings to carry machine guns.
Forman told Swedish news agency TT that "security will not solve the underlying problems of anti-Semitism."